New Giga User Setup Advice

[Precison]

I\'m almost afraid to ask this question among all you dedicated professionals, but here it goes anyway. I\'m purchasing an IBM 1U server to run only Gigastudio. But I know nothing about PC soundcards and all the different nuances that go into setting up a glitch free system. I need a card that has multiple AES I/O. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Is IBM the right way to go, blah blah blah -- basically I need help. It\'s great to see people share their thoughts and triumphs in such a harmonius manner, I\'ve been reading this post for some months now and hope to add to this already great site. Sorry for the length and corny-ness just excited to interact with good people. Thanks

[pantonality]

A 1 ru IBM server is usually a system designed to act as a server and may not have the room necessary to fit a sound card. Are you buying it because somebody offered you a good deal or because you have a really small space?

As I wrote in another thread, the biggest issue with DAWs is chipset compatibility with the sound card. RME on their site offers reference PCs (www.rme-audio.com) in their technical section. There is also a lot of good information on tweaking systems for highest performance. I would choose a sound card first and then get a system built to meet its requirements.

I think it can be safely said that custom built PCs are both cheaper and better performing than name brand systems. As for a card with multiple AES I/O, IIRC the AES i/o is not real estate freindly and you\'ll probably need a breakout box (external unit of some kind). Checkout bayview pro audio (www.bayviewproaudio.com) for good deals and knowledgable people. They\'ll even build your PC. Good luck.

Steve www.mp3.com/stevechandler (\"http://www.mp3.com/stevechandler\")

[Precison]

I purchased it because of the space saving and the overall aesthetics of the machine. I can still set this machine to work like anyother PC and if I use any of the RME cards I think they should fit, I\'m still looking for the AES box though.